Students at Sammamish Montessori School (SMS) in Redmond collected 541 pounds of non-perishable food and household items ($898 value), $115 gift cards and approximately $500 in toys as part of the school’s annual food and toy drive benefiting Hopelink. SMS matched the $1,513 value of the items donated by school families.

“I liked shopping with my mommy for a present to give to a little girl like me,” said 4-year-old Sarayu Kanakala.

“Hopelink is like a grocery store, but you don’t need to pay money,” explained 8-year-old student Helena Crawford who volunteers with her family at Hopelink.

The food and toy drive is an annual tradition at SMS, which the students look forward to each year. Last fall, SMS elementary students also enjoyed a visit with Lois Brandt, local author of Maddi’s Fridge, a picture book that, with humor and warmth, raises awareness about poverty and hunger (www.loisbrandt.com).

“This book makes this subject understandable and relatable for children. After reading this book and talking about it, all of the students were very excited to help and eager to make a difference for others in need. They are still very motivated,” said teacher Ailynn Ang.